Catch dramatic views of the Sharkstooth and Taylor Peak. Give them instructions about who to call if they dont hear from you. The trail will end with a gorgeous view of Pitkin Lake. Discover the solitude and beauty of Twin Lakes. Take a Scenic Drive Through Rocky Mountain National Park Aside from the deep blues waters, hikers are delighted with wildflower-filled meadows bordering the lakes in bright and beautiful colors. Distance: 8.02 milesElevation: 2500 ftType: Out-and-back. Rollins Pass is in the FunTreks Northern Colorado Backroads 4 Wheel Drive . Youll be gasping for air from the steep inclines and incredible scenes. Dog-friendly. On July 21st, 2020, Skip, Bandit, Ezra, and I made our way from Colorado Springs, where we were visiting, up through Wyoming and Montana into Northern Idaho to visit family before heading back to Southern Idaho for work and school. . There are three lakes in the basin. In the south you can find Saguaro National Park and, Colorado is full of incredible hiking trails that take you to breathtaking views, waterfalls, and lakes. Set a check-in time and have that person try to check in with you first, before calling authorities (just in case you forget to circle back). Not to mention, the lake bottom is often rocky and very slippery. However, this is one gorgeous hike, especially during the wildflower season. Make your way up the two-mile trail to the base of St. Marys Glacier (not really a glacier, but a permanent snowfield) where there is a picture-perfect alpine lake. These gorgeous alpine lakes are set in a landscape that appears to be straight from a storybook, but is actually known as the James Peak wilderness. To see views of Lower Blue Lake from above you need to continue hiking up the steep Blue Lakes Trial towards Middle Blue Lake. Throughout the post youll find: Absolutely. To get to the lake, you'll pass through two lakes Dream and Nymph. When it comes to the best lake hikes in Colorado, this post has it all. Blue Lakes Basin is a must for explorers of the Mount Sneffels Wilderness. This adventure leads you to one of Rocky Mountain National Parks deepest lakes (~50 ft deep). If you do opt to swim, dont wear any sunscreen. Distance: 23.8 milesElevation: 4,767 feetDifficulty: DifficultRed Tape and Local Tips: Dogs are welcome to use this trail. If you're feeling extra adventurous, climb to the 14,433-foot summit of Mount Elbert. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. In Colorado's lakes and streams most Cutthroats average 9 to . You'll need four-wheel drive to access the campsites at Bill Moore Lake but getting there on the steep rocky roads is part of the fun! By: From short day hikes close to the cityto multi-day backpacking tripsdeep in Rocky Mountain National Park, these adventures will take you to some of the most beautiful mountain lakes in Colorado. And dont forget to look out for mountain goats! Its my favorite backpacking route in Colorado and well-worth an overnight. In the spring and early summer you can enjoy wildflowers on the hikes, and in the fall you get to see the Aspens fall foliage. Camping is prohibited within a quarter of a mile to protect its fragile environment. At 13,420 feet, Pacific Tarn is the highest alpine lake in the United States, and you can have it all to yourself. Chicago Lakes is a popular hiking trail in the Mount Evans Wilderness that has two magnificent lakes with stellar views of the foothills and of Mount Evans. Enjoy spanning vistas of the Tenmile Range including Pacific Peak, Atlantic Peak, and Crystal Peak (all of which are excellent Colorado 13ers to try!). In order to avoid storms at high altitude, youll want to start your hike EARLY, sometimes before the sun rises, depending on the length of the hike. This area is also an awesome place to practice mountaineering skills or go for a mid-summer ski session. The water is piercingly clear blue, which will entice you to jump right in! . But on your way there, take moments of rest to appreciate the view of Longs Peak to the south and Tyndall Creek. The fee is $5 per person (16 years and older), children under 16 are free. Be Proactive. Make sure you have the necessary permits before setting up camp. Then recheck it the day before your hike. Descriptions of the best alpine lake hikes in Colorado including distance, difficulty, and elevation gain. The hike from Bear Lake Trailhead is 3.6 miles round trip with about 740 ft elevation gain. This 7.7 miles trail boasts a wow factor unlike any other. Here are the lessons I have learned! This Rocky Mountain National Park adventure provides an opportunity to catch an unforgettable sunrise. Independence Pass is also located nearby for scenic travelers. Kevin BuggieBPL Member. Breathe in the fresh air and set up a hammock to enjoy the most incredible mountain and alpine lake backdrop. This list comes from years of research and is a total labor of love. Once you arrive, you wont want to leave which is why many people consider Gore Lake one of the best backpacking trips in Colorado. You'd better allow 7 hours to fully enjoy the scenic beauty, however. Table of Contents hide 1 Shadow Mountain Lake 2 Green Mountain Reservoir 3 Dream Lake 4 Two Rivers Lake 5 Crater Lake 6 Grand Lake 7 Lake Granby 8 Piney Lake 9 Sylvan Lake State Park 10 Twin Lakes 11 Lake Dillon 12 Blue Mesa Reservoir 13 Chatfield State Park An alternative to driving on your own is to. The Upper Piney River trailhead begins at Piney Lake and winds through aspen meadows bursting with columbines, before passing by the cascading Piney Falls and ultimately leading to Upper Piney Lake at the headwaters of the Piney River just above 11,000.' Don't knowingly lie about anyone Alpine lakes, the 11 significant European lakes fringing the great mountainous mass of the Alps. Check out this adventure for impressive views of the Mount Evans Wilderness. Capping out at 12,183 feet in elevation, at its summit, Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous road in the country. There is no overnight parking without a backcountry permit (we learned this the hard way) and there is an entry fee to get to the trailhead. This ideal backpacking destination is located just minutes from the mountain town of Aspen. Photo: Ryan MckinneyDistance: 4.09 milesElevation: 374 ftType: Out-and-back. The middle and upper are said to have the best views. Another iconic alpine lake hike in Colorado, Ice Lake brings you unbelievable brilliant blue waters. Snow Lake Trail. It lies at treeline in a spectacular alpine valley framed by Navajo, Apache and Shoshoni peaks. Many of the most amazing lakeside views in the state are easily accessible for beginner hikers. Photographers will appreciate the remarkable sunrise and night shot opportunities. Arguably one of the most scenic backpacking routes in Colorado, Gore Lake delivers alpine beauty unlike anything else.Make your way up the challenging trail to an alpine scene that literally looks like a painting. Editor's Note:Access to some of these lakes can vary due to a number of factors, including time of year. Its nine miles round trip, gaining about 1,780 feet of elevation. However, the serenity of the lakes is well worth the butt-busting effort. Anglers should bring fishing gear as there are plenty of opportunities to fish for trout! The trail features colorful wildflower meadows, breathtaking views, and plenty of wildlife. Nestled in Rocky Mountain National Park lies Dream Lake. Bring your camera and pack some tasty snacks! Grand Mesa Trails Distance: 6.5 milesElevation: 1,804 feetDifficulty: moderate to difficultRed Tape and Local Tips: This trail gets insanely busy in the summer, so start early. This moderate trail evokes a classic Colorado Rocky Mountain charm. Embark on an adventure at Pitkin Lake. You'll find San Cristobal incredibly stunning. These Colorado lake hikes deliver a bit more of a challenge, but that just makes the reward that much sweeter. It is a long day hike (4.6 miles) one way with an elevation gain of 3,100ft. Photo Credit: Breanna Sneeringer, OutThere Colorado. Dogs welcome. The hike to lower blue lake is 6 miles round trip with 1,610 ft elevation gain. The mountains surrounding Mirror Lake defy gravity, and early in the morning, you can get a perfect reflection of the famous Lone Eagle Peak (named the most beautiful mountain in Colorado). 2,568 feet max, MUCH less if starting from the Wheeler Trail.Difficulty: Moderate to easy depending on your route.Red Tape and Local Tips: Unlike many of Colorados famed high clearance roads (where you can usually get away with a small SUV), the road to the top of Crystal Lake is an ACTUAL Jeep trail. The views along the way to these four alpine lakes do not disappoint. Length 6.7 miElevation gain 1,699 ftRoute type Out & back. Named for its stunning waters, Emerald Lake is overflowing with beauty. Forsythe Canyon Round-trip Distance: 2.2 miles Trailhead: Forsythe Canyon - Lincoln National Forest Difficulty: Easy This short hike starts just outside of Boulder. 17. Each of these alpine lake hikes brings you the best of the Rocky Mountains and picturesque mountain scenery of places like Leadville. Rocky Mountain National Park is just under a two-hour drive from Denver and an hour's drive from Boulder. You'll find Continental Falls in the White River National Forest near Breckenridge. Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Most of the Alpine lakes lie in valleys that were formed during the uplift of the mountain chain of the Alps. Check out our favorite alpine hikes in Colorado and neighboring states. If you are already hiking Blue Lakes Trail and made it to Lower Blue Lake, it is worth continuing up to Middle Blue Lake. You can hike to this lake from either Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Our first date was a three-day camping trip on the backroads of Colorado. 1. Learn more Loop or Out and Back: Out and Back or Loop. Among the lakes stocked on Monday, the highest of them - Ptarmigan Lake in Gunnison County - sits at 12,306 feet. We searched for alpine lakes to hike to in the area and came across Crystal Lake in Saint Marie's, Idaho. There are hiking trails near the lakes with great views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. While the 7.9-mile out-and-back trail is relatively easy for day hikers used to the distance, there are several campgrounds located along the shore of the lowest lake. Distance: 4 miles in summer, 8 in winterElevation: 1,614 feet in summer, unknown to the lakeDifficulty: Easy to moderateRed Tape and Local Tips: Although there is a map on AllTrails, its not entirely accurate with distances. That's why we send you the best local adventures, stories, and expert advice, right to your inbox. Check with the Castle Mountain Recreation Company for more up-to-date information. Photo Credit: Photo Credit: Donyanedomam (iStock). If you are looking for something a little easier to get to, try James Peak Wilderness. 10 Remarkable Trails Near Denver To Add To Your Summer Bucket List, 10 Destinations Everyone In Denver Needs to Visit This Summer, Everyone In Denver Must Visit This Epic Hot Spring As Soon As Possible, This Swimming Spot Has The Clearest, Most Pristine Water Near Denver, 16 Unforgettable Things You Must Add To Your Denver Summer Bucket List, 10 Gorgeous Lakes To Visit Around Denver This Summer, 7 Of The Best Beaches Around Denver To Visit This Summer, These 11 Epic Wildflower Hikes Around Denver Are Completely Out Of This World. If youre looking for short, sweet, and steep with incredible views, Windsor Lake near Leadville is an awesome choice. Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links for products and services I recommend. Whenever you hear someone talk about catching trout in the mountain lakes of the Rockies, the term that often comes up is "alpine". Bear Lake Bear Lake located in Rocky Mountain National Park Located off of Bear Lake Road in Rocky Mountain National Park, Bear Lakes makes for a quick pit stop. Emerald Lake is located in Rocky Mountain National Park, and is reached by hiking from Bear Lake Trailhead or Glacier Gorge Trailhead. Required fields are marked *. Its best to check with AllTrails.com or even local hiking Facebook groups to get the most up-to-date information. Also, keep in mind there are restrictions on where you can walk, so be respectful of signs and regulations. Set in magnificent scenery, they are the focus of considerable settlement and a thriving tourist traffic, as well as of great scientific interest. You must typically access these lake by hiking a few miles or by horseback. The Ute Indian tribe long inhabited this area before they were replaced by miners in the 1800s, who came in search of silver, gold, lead, and zinc.
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